It means that Pa. will no longer recognize concealed carry permits issued by the state of Florida, which has relatively more lax standards. Pa. residents who had been denied a permit here were able to obtain them from that state.

“Our state’s gun traffic and permits should never be bypassed,” said Kane. “Closing this loophole shows that it is possible to swiftly implement common sense gun safety measures that protect our streets. This is my administration’s first official step, but it certainly will not be our last.”

State law grants to AG authority over the state’s reciprocity agreements vis-a-vis firearms.

It’s been a big goal for gun control/gun safety groups, who note that Pa. recognizes more Concealed Carry permits from Florida than anywhere else – about 4,000 according to the AG’s office.

Gun owners who currently have a Florida permit have 120 days to obtain a new one from Pa. Florida residents or citizens with dual residency are not affected.

Rep. Tim Briggs (D-Montco) has been pushing the loophole issue since last session.

“I am thrilled that Attorney General Kane is taking a proactive approach to closing loopholes that now allow dangerous criminals to roam the streets with weapons they should not possess,” Briggs said of the Philadelphia press conference.

The issue came up in Kane’s general election win as well as her victory in the Democratic primary.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s PAC spent about $250,000 on television ads to tell southeast Pa. voters that Kane would close the loophole. Her Republican opponent, Cumberland County District Attorney Dave Freed, was endorsed by the NRA from whom he had received an “A” rating.

During the AG primary the group CeaseFirePA scolded Patrick Murphy, Kane’s opponent, over his support for legislation that would enact reciprocity agreements at the national level. The group offered warm words for Kane at the time.

22 thoughts on “Kane Closes Gun Permit “Florida Loophole””

Great job!!! Gun permits should be like a drivers license. Use it anywhere as long as its in good standing. Not, I’m revoked in PA so get a FL one and PA has to honor it. About time this loophole is gone!!!

To obtain a Florida license you must go through a extensive background check through local authority and FBI. The FBI is not going to allow dangerous criminals to even have a gun let alone a license to carry one. Most people who apply for Florida ccw do so because it gives reciprocity in more states. Now these politicians are denying law abiding citizens the right to be able to protect themselves and their families from real criminals who don’t give a damn about anything, law or lawless. That was a dumb statement she made about Florida allowing dangerous criminals to possess a gun permit.

To the guy who anonymously claims he was denied for parking tickets, Mr. ccy, why don’t you just pay your frickin parking tickets? If you can’t afford to pay what you lawfully owe, you could sell some of your precious, precious firearms. You know what? I’m glad you can’t carry a gun in PA. Guns are for responsible, law abiding citizens, not scofflaws who ignore their obligations. There are 3,000 PA residents from outside Phila. with Florida permits. I guess they all owe parking tickets in their home towns?

Sounds like another politician over reaching the bounds of their office and pushing an adgenda. What’s funny about this is that criminals don’t get concealed carry permits, they just carry illegally…because they are criminals and they disregard laws.

Most people who have Florida permits do so likely because Florida has more reciprocity with other states than a PA permit does. People hold Utah permits for the same reason. In these persons with Florida permits are such criminals why haven’t they been rounded up? I’d also like to know the details of why these people were denied and how they supposedly then got one through Florida. If Florida is easier to get than a PA permit it must come in a Crackerjack box.

This is great to see, especially after PA passed the Brad Fox law and finally sent its backlog of mental health records on prohibited gun purchasers to the background check system. Baby steps, but the government is finally doing the will of the people.

She broke the law. The Attorney General has the power and duty to enter into reciprocity agreements, and report to the General Assembly. She does not have the authority to modify or rescind existing agreements. Section 6109k. She essentially destroyed an agreement that was in place for over ten years. The General Assembly needs to correct this by enacting Constitutional Carry.

PoliticsPA should actually start sending their own reporters to events. Briggs didn’t speak at this event nor play any role besides positioning himself for a photograph by his staff. His false and lame attempt at attention should be noted as a warning to all Democrats.

How many crimes are committed each year by someone who has a concealed weapons permit? Virtually none, but you feel it is a high priority to go after them instead of actual criminals? I hope you are looking for a new job next election!